When I was a kid, a friend of mine and I used to make our own paper dolls. It was such a great way to think and learn about form, shapes, scale and color! All of these years later, I remembered that when I was thinking about how to show off some of our Artizan Made garments, jewelry and accessories. It’s a challenging project because once you have your paper doll, you have to find a garment that looks like it might face the same direction or have a similar pose as the doll. Then, as I got into it, I realized that most people would not group these things together into one outfit. At least, I wouldn’t! I would probably use one or two of them with a neutral background, showing off the handmade things as wearable art. You know, that little black dress with a statement necklace or a wild top with simple jewelry…

But, we live in a time when we can really have fun with color and texture and I thought of some of the icons who have helped liberate us. Iris Apfel, for example… In her 90’s, she encourages us to enjoy life fully and to express ourselves freely:

More inspiration for being bold and embracing color!

Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA) is a Nigerian artist who has exhibited in top venues, so you may remember seeing some of his work. This is his opulent interpretation of the Last Supper. The message I get from it is of how we have degraded sacred places and spaces in our lives by losing meaning and just being decadent. Whatever the intention, his use of colors and textures is quite inspiring and you can spend some time exploring more on his website.

Yinka Shonibarembe Sculpture – The Last Supper

I first learned about Kaffe Fassett many years ago through the quilt world. But, before that, he was mostly known as a knitwear designer. Considered the King of Color, whatever Kaffe touches becomes transformed into splendor and warmth.

These icons have allowed their imaginations to come to the surface. They personalize their spaces, their clothing and you can bet that they are not looking at mass production as their core of inspiration. Our Artizan Shops are not all that famous (yet!), but their talent and dedication is one-of-a-kind and we hope that you will support them and bring their work into your world and make it yours.

Other Features to Explore

Visit our Market for samples of more garments, accessories and jewelry. Most items link to our member shops and sites.

Visit our destination on Etsy for a great handmade selection. Shop ArtizanMade on Etsy You can add keywords to narrow the search: ArtizanMade scarf, ArtizanMade hat and so on.

This bracelet is made of folded pieces of paper in what is known as the "candywrapper technique". It has about 60 pieces of paper that have been folded and interlocked with each other. Each row is sewn internally to the next one. I use fake gut. The beads are carved discs made from coconuts (Nigeria) and green soapstone.

Blue Twilight Itajime Shibori Hand-Dyed Tight Twisted Seersucker Silk Dress
This delicious raspberry butterscotch silk charmeuse infinity scarf was created by hand-dyeing with acid dyes utilizing the itajime method of shibori resist. It is the perfect addition to your next afternoon brunch outfit!
Diameter 56″ x Width 15″
Clicking on the Shop on Etsy button will take you to my listing there where you can purchase this item and see what else is in stock.

CulturalPatina maintains a large shop on Etsy with over 800 Museum quality products and original art. Our focus is primarily on American Western art, but we also have a sizable collection on Naga beadwork and textiles, along with other tribal from around the world. Clicking on the 'Shop on Etsy' button will take you to that section of our shop where you can see similar works. If this item has sold, you should be able to find something else of the same quality and price range.

CulturalPatina maintains a large shop on Etsy with over 800 Museum quality products and original art. Our focus is primarily on American Western art, but we also have a sizable collection on Naga beadwork and textiles, along with other tribal from around the world. Clicking on the 'Shop on Etsy' button will take you to that section of our shop where you can see similar works. If this item has sold, you should be able to find something else of the same quality and price range.

This dramatic one-of-a-kind hand-woven Central Asian silk/cotton blend ikat kimono jacket will make you stand out from the crowd, regardless of the occasion. It's perfect as a casual jacket with jeans or an elegant cover-up for a black tie event.
Clicking on the "Visit Shop" button will take you to the HoonArts Fair Trade shop where you can purchase this item and see what other one-of-a-kind and small artist's edition treasures are currently in stock.

This delicious raspberry butterscotch silk charmeuse infinity scarf was created by hand-dyeing with acid dyes utilizing the itajime method of shibori resist. It is the perfect addition to your next afternoon brunch outfit!
Diameter 56″ x Width 15″
Clicking on the Shop on Etsy button will take you to my listing there where you can purchase this item and see what else is in stock.

This colorful triangle scarf was created by hand-painting and silkscreening tight twisted seersucker silk with fiber reactive dyes. Great to throw over a plain outfit to add some interest and zest!
Clicking on the Shop on Etsy button will take you to my listing there where you can purchase this item and see what else is in stock.

The great drape on this infinity scarf is created by cutting the silk on the bias and twisting it twice. It can be arranged so that you can see more of one side or the other. The neutral palette makes it a wardrobe staple. Click on the Visit button to go to my Jane Porter Fashion Shop.

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Rachel

I've been working with handmade crafts and art since 1988. My hope is to contribute to the economic development potential the arts bring to the world, along with the intrinsic beauty shown in the work. I would like to see the world be a friendlier place for artists and towards nature. Arrived in Kentucky after a childhood in Brazil, college in Minnesota and 20 years in Chicago. It's been a ride! More by Rachel